Student wanders away at recess

Webster principal says safety procedures won't change but staff will be more aware.

Webster principal says safety procedures won't change but staff will be more aware.

April 20, 2006|ANITA MUNSON and CHRIS GAUTZ Tribune Staff Writers

PLYMOUTH -- A kindergartner at Webster Elementary walked away from his classmates at recess Monday morning and was found in the cemetery on the other side of a busy Plymouth street. Plymouth Police Chief Jim Cox said officer Ray West was in the area of Webster Elementary Monday morning when he spotted a young boy walking south by Oakhill Cemetery shortly after 10 a.m. The cemetery is located on the opposite side of South Michigan Street, which is the main artery into town, from the school. Cox said the officer gathered up the student and tried to talk with him, but the boy wasn't talkative. Eventually, the officer was able to learn from the child that he had left the school during recess and started walking. West told Cox the school officials said they would "take care of it." Webster Elementary Principal Donna Burroughs said she couldn't comment on individual situations involving students. Burroughs did say that children are taught where they can and can't go. "There is supervision," she said. Burroughs said there are 43 students in the two morning kindergarten classes, which go to recess together. One teacher watches over the students at recess, which takes place in a fenced-in playground behind the school, Burroughs said. "We have all kinds of safety policies in place," Burroughs said. "No matter how many policies you have in place, children will find ways. Burroughs said the school has not changed any of its policies after the incident. "We're just trying to be more aware," she said. Plymouth Superintendent John Hill said he was notified of the incident Wednesday morning. He said he did not know if the parents of the child were notified after the incident. Hill said he believes the children at Webster are safe. "I am confident that Donna and her staff will review everything," Hill said. Staff writer Chris Gautz: cgautz@sbtinfo.com (574) 936-2921